TSW and steroid use
I am realizing that my 3 year old son is going through some withdrawals from topical steroid use. His moderate eczema flared mid February and become very severe. The prescription steroids we had been using on and off since he was 2 months old didn't really help with the itchiness. So I stopped using them at the end of March, not realizing that it could cause withdrawals. (I had stopped using them before because we used them on and off for years and nothing happened before.) He continued getting worse, but I thought most of it was just his eczema still in a bad flare. Now, we have been doing the fid diet for about 2 months, and while it has helped some, he is still very itchy and flared. He is also SO sensitive to everything right now! I recently read some blog posts from Karen Fischer about weaning off the steroids. So my question is: should I start using the steroids again to wean him off of them even though I have already stopped using the steroids? It has been about 3 months without steroids at all. I hate to use them again, but now I'm wondering if using them to wean off them might give him some relief. However, when I stopped using them they weren't really working anymore anyway, so maybe it wouldn't help. I'd love any input or advice! Thank you!
Hi Hanna,
You're doing such an amazing job navigating all of this — we know how overwhelming and emotional it can be, especially when your little one is uncomfortable and so sensitive. 💛
It does sound like your son may be going through TSW — it’s a long and often challenging healing journey but we're here to support you through it.
I recommend sticking with FID — you’ve already seen some improvement, which is a great sign. The FID diet can be a powerful tool to support his healing from the inside out. Since TSW can put a strain on the liver, limiting his chemical load through diet and gentle skin care is incredibly helpful.
As for the steroids, yes — in some cases, reintroducing a small amount for a short period can help manage the withdrawal symptoms and allow for a gradual taper, which tends to be easier on the body. If you choose to go this route, please check out our detailed weaning guide here:👉 How to withdraw from topical steroids. I also recommend checking in with your doctor on this.
As well as using a small amount of steroids, here are some additional things I recommend doing if you're not already: Focus on Barrier Repair and Skin Comfort
Wet wrapping or damp clothing layers after applying creams (like Eczema Friend)
Try non-irritating oils: jojoba, squalane, or rosehip (if tolerated)
Avoid essential oils, fragranced creams, or alcohol-based products
Baths
Oatmeal or Epsom salt baths for soothing relief
Short, daily baths, followed by immediate moisturising with Eczema Friend and Rescue Balm
Sleep
Consider Skin Friend PM before bed
Use cotton gloves or pyjamas to prevent scratching
Try to keep a consistent bedtime routine—comfort and predictability matter when the body is distressed
The healing process can be long, especially if the skin is very sensitive right now, but many families have made it through and found stronger, lasting health on the other side. Please let us know if you have any further questions.
xx Bonnie